Rockets notes: Vote for Brooks for most improved

JONATHAN FEIGEN , Copyright 2010 For the Chronicle |
April 14, 2010

With media award ballots due Thursday, Rockets coach Rick Adelman said he believes the choice for most improved player should be clear, arguing for his point guard Aaron Brooks.

“The leap Aaron made, throwing him into the starting lineup last February, taking the team this year, being your leading scorer and averaging over five assists, I don't see how you can say someone else is more improved,” Adelman said. “Who else would you pick?”

Told there is sentiment for Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant, the NBA's leading scorer, Adelman said Durant should have already won the award.

“I think (Durant winning) should have happened his second year,” Adelman said.

Finish strong

The Rockets have gone 7-2 since they were eliminated from playoff contention, with Rockets players saying they were determined to finish the season well and with a winning record.

“It's very much a big deal because we play this game to win,” forward Trevor Ariza said. “I'm just sorry we weren't able to make the playoffs and continue to play. But if we couldn't do that, at least we have the winning record.”

The Rockets said they need to take the same determination to the finale.

“It's big for us just because how we fought this whole season,” guard Kyle Lowry said.

Harris to Viipers

The Rockets made a roster move to bolster their NBA Development League team, returning forward Mike Harris to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers for the D-League playoffs.

Harris, who averaged 3.1 points and 2.5 rebounds, in eight games with the Rockets, averaged a D-League-leading 27.1 points and 10.5 rebounds with the Vipers and returns in time for Game 3 of the playoff series with Reno.